Brazilian forward Antony turned emotional when he spoke to the media during the unveiling as a new signing for Real Betis on Tuesday. Antoy admitted it was very hard for him to stay at Manchester United before the move to Real Betis was confirmed.
As per ESPN, Betis will pay a fixed fee of €22 million ($25.6m) with another €3 million ($3.5m) in potential bonuses. United will also get 50% of any future transfer.
Antony had played for Betis in the second half of the previous season on loan but he was not included in Manchester United’s squad for the preseason tour to the USA and had to separately train at the club’s Carrington complex.
“Only my family knows how hard it was to be there,” Antony said through tears as he was presented as a permanent signing at the LaLiga club on Tuesday. “Training separately. But I knew this incredible moment was coming. Of course, I was afraid it wouldn’t happen in the end, but I waited because I had so much faith.”
Antony scored nine times in 26 games for the La Liga team on loan and played a key role in helping the club reach the UEFA Conference League final
“[Making the transfer happen] was very hard, but we’re here now. I can’t wait to wear the Betis shirt again. I can only thank everyone who made it possible,” Antony said.
“What a difference! Seville is more beautiful than Manchester,” he added. “I’m finally here. I spent more than 40 days in a hotel; it was very hard, but everyone knew I wanted to return to Betis. Now with more time, there are so many things to do and achieve. I had trouble sleeping after seeing so much love from the Betis fans; there were people waiting at my house at 2 in the morning.”
Antony scored only 12 goals in 96 matches for the Red Devils as he could not deliver consistently. He had moved to the Old Trafford club in a €95 million ($110.5m) deal from Ajax in 2022.
“Being cared about is very important to me, it is something money can’t buy,” Antony said. “Here, I have had good feelings and felt lots of affection. It was always my first choice, and that’s why I waited until the last day to return to Betis. Now I’m here and happy in a city and at a club that I love.”
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